A side braid is a braided hairstyle of any kind that either runs at the side of the head or down to one shoulder. Changing your hairstyle doesn’t always mean a trip to the salon! Transform your look in a flash with versatile side braids.
Braid artist Jessica Keife from SoCal creates Rapunzel-inspired braid styles and suggests using hair extensions to obtain thick and long braids on the side.
Regarding products, Keife uses Kenra Professional Dry Texture Spray 6 and Powder Play Lite. She shares, “both of these products impart a grit to your hair that creates a lovely texture when braiding to the side.”
Go for French or Dutch, an updo or Queen Elsa style! Side braids are a convenient yet incredibly stylish way to elevate your hair game at any time of the day. From quick 3-minute looks to elaborate braids, you can experiment with a distinctive style!
Before your next hair appointment, explore these inspirational photos of the most fashionable side braid hairstyles!
#1: Elegant Side Ponytail Braid
Long hair serves as the ideal canvas for this side ponytail braid. Your classic ponytail is transformed into this sophisticated style that preserves volume and texture through various patterns.
#2: Chic Side Fishtail Braid
Fishtail braids may seem daunting at first, but they’re incredibly simple to create! Sporting a side fishtail braid can be the standout fashion element that ties your entire look together.
#3: Adorable Side Braid with Curls
How charming is this side braid with curls? The fishtail side plait can add flair to your long, blonde hair. We used her natural curls (just made more of a structured curl with a 3/4 Hot Shot Curling Iron). The fishtail braid was just the icing for her perfect look. Although these pictures show the back of the head and are lovely, the most important angle is the front. Whatever style you choose, make sure it flatters your face shape and enhances your hair type.
#4: Chic Side Braid for Long Locks
Style your hair to one side in a low ponytail, weaving it as you proceed. Loosen the braids to enhance the volume.
#5: Chic Side French Braid
A daring choice is shifting your loose French braid to the side! Crafting this kind of statement is an innovative approach to your usual braids. Side braid hairstyles as eye-catching as this one will surely draw attention!
#6: Effortless Side Braid Updo
An effortless side braid updo is undeniably fashionable! Its tousled texture produces a casual finish—and indeed, elegance doesn’t always have to be polished! A softer appearance can still be captivating, like this diamond blonde hair styled in a low bun. This look is a relaxed, undone bun featuring a loose twist. I adore this appearance because it’s gentle and romantic and can suit both casual wear and formal dresses. It’s meant to be effortless and can be adapted for various hair types and face shapes.
To separate the waves prior to styling, I ran my fingers through them while applying Moroccan Oil Dry Texture Spray, which imparts definition and texture. I fashioned a low bun using a clear elastic that could be loose yet secure. I utilized bobby pins to shape the bun and pin up stray strands. Then, I loosely twisted back the sides and fastened them above the bun, leaving the hairline free for later use. The intention of this style is to appear light and airy. Simply tug on the crown for a textured lift, gently adjust the twist to soften the look, and pull on the bun for added volume. As you do this, incorporate a bobby pin or two to firmly hold your style in position.
Explore more braided updos hairstyles.
#7: Stylish Side Braid with Hair Down
Perfect for your long and light-colored tresses, sport this side braid paired with soft beach waves cascading down your back. This elegant look with a side braid is ideal for special occasions.
#8: Chic Side Braid for Black Hair
A protective hairstyle provides a stunning finish, and a side braid for black hair can elevate your style! Add subtle blonde highlights to your long hair without harming your natural locks. Complete your look by incorporating hair accessories like small beads or a stylish hair tie.
#9: Side Braid with Dutch Technique
Consider a half updo formal look for a wedding occasion that can also be styled casually, like during a beach getaway. The best results for this hairstyle are achieved when you prep your hair beforehand. Start with a volumizing shampoo, conditioner, and uplifting foam to blow-dry your hair. Then, curl all your hair before you begin braiding. Start with a deep side part and initiate the dutch braid on the crown of your head. As you progress with the braid, gently expand it.
You can also apply a volume or texture spray on the braid to enhance its fullness. As I reached behind her ear, I began pulling from the upper sections, leaving a piece out each time I took a new section. The piece you let go of hangs down. That is known as the waterfall piece. I secured it with clear elastic and a few bobby pins for stability. Finally, spritz everything with a medium-hold hairspray to maintain the style. You can also incorporate florals or hair accessories to elevate this look! This updo suits any hair type or texture. I highly recommend using volumizing products if your hair is particularly fine.
#10: Chic Side Messy Braid
This is a textured boho Dutch into a fishtail braided creation. The beauty of such side hairstyles lies in their texture and movement; the lower section is crafted by weaving the hair through a simple fishtail.
Clean, dry hair works best with this style using light/medium hold hairspray and volume powder. I recommend curling your hair first and backcombing the roots for added volume. Curling your hair initially helps to achieve the softness and that romantic boho aesthetic. This side braid hairstyle is ideally suited for medium to long highlighted hair, but with abundant texture, it would also complement brunette hair wonderfully. Face-framing layers will also enhance softness in the front of the style.
#11: Stylish Lemonade Braids to the Side
Made popular by Queen Bey, lemonade braids styled to one side are your typical cornrows that transition from one side to the other. Weight and volume are concentrated on one side while the braided design is emphasized on your scalp. These side braid hairstyles for black hair represent an evolution of traditional protective styles.
#12: Trending Side Cornrows Braid Styles
Cornrows braid remains a favored method for safeguarding and showcasing stunning African-American hair.
#13: Sleek Half Up Side Braid Style
Elevate your hairstyle with a chic half-up side braid. This elegant look can be effortlessly achieved at home using a few bobby pins and hair ties. The highlight? The more relaxed the braid, the more stylish it appears!
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